What Makes Inter-Agency Coordination Work?: Insights from the Literature and Two Case Studies

The purpose of this report is to discuss some of the key aspects involved in achieving Interagency Coordination (IC) that come out from the academic literature as well as from two case studies of ongoing operations funded by the Inter-American Development Bank. Four general questions that are addressed here: 1) What are the arguments in favor and against IC? Where does the consensus lie now?; 2) What are the coordination tools and strategies available for public managers?; 3) What are the conditions that favor or hinder effective IC?; 4) What practical recommendations policymakers need to bear in mind when designing and implementing programs that involve IC? The case studies of the Women Heads of Household Plan (Plan Jefas de Hogar) in Argentina, and the Darien Sustainable Development Program (Desarrollo Sustentable de Darién) in Panamá are given.